'Kavaholics' told to drink in moderation

Luke Rawalai
Monday, September 01, 2014

THERE is no medical proof that yaqona consumption contributes directly to diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

Speaking during a forum at the Fiji Catholic Women's League meet in Solevu, Bua over the weekend Nabouwalu hospital's Sister Elenoa Vakatalebola said heavy consumption of the drink had some side effects.

Ms Vakatalebola told women at the meet that "kavaholics" often suffered from dry skin known as kanikani and often ended up having eye irritation that often grew worse.

Ms Vakatalebola said most yaqona drinkers often snacked when they drank eating sweet things in between the grog session.

She said such snacks were unhealthy and often high in sugar and salt content.

She also said these disease causing foods contributed to diabetes.

Mrs Vakatalebola told women that another side effect of yaqona consumption was that people tended to be lethargic and lazy.

She said the abuse of yaqona often bred idle people leading to an idle community.

She urged those consuming kava to do it reasonably and to ensure that it did not change their looks.

Mrs Vakatalebola said heavy kava drinkers changed God's schedule for men by drinking all night and sleeping all day.